IF Kevin Thomson has been scarred by relegation with Hibernian earlier this month then he was able to hide it well yesterday.

This was perhaps made a little easier after he was given an unbranded Dundee jersey to put on over of his street clothes, adding another layer to both the midfielder's attire and career story. Kevin Thomson, 29, will be a Dundee player for at least the next two years.

The new job title might take a little getting used to, since he has been synonymous with the club from the green half of Edinburgh. That relationship soured last season -Thomson left in the dark initially as the clouds began to block out the sunshine on Leith, his recall coming only when Hibs continued to falter towards the play-offs. He was released the day after missing his penalty in the shoot-out which confirmed relegation from the top flight.

Having been catapulted from the club he has professed to care most about, Thomson has at least landed on his feet. He stood proudly yesterday alongside fellow new signing Scott Bain, a goalkeeper lured from Alloa Athletic, and Paul Hartley. James McPake has also signed a two-year contract following his release by Hibs but the defender has since gone on holiday.

The previous exchanges between Thomson and his now manager had been bruised by combat in Edinburgh derbies - Hartley once patrolling the midfield for Hearts - but they have been reunited at Dens Park in the hope of a bright future in the SPFL Premiership.

"I used to try and kick him when I played against him," said Thomson, mercifully aiming only a gentle nod in Hartley's direction this time. "He told me I didn't manage to but I seem to remember getting booked every time I faced him so I must have caught him a few times!

"Seriously though, I didn't want to tout myself too much. I don't have an agent, I have done this all myself but the faith he showed in me straight away . . . there was only one decision to make and that was to come to Dundee."

The erstwhile Scotland inter­nationalist spoke well, his comments unrestricted by the discontent which marked his experience last season. Teaming up at Dundee as they return to the top division in Scotland has awoken his enthusiasm and Thomson was unwilling to trouble that with talk of Hibs.

"I don't want to sit and speak about Hibs. I do not though want to speak about the manager or any negativity regarding the club," said Thomson, who has been appointed club captain at Dens Park.

"This is a great challenge for Dundee to try to cement a place in the Premiership and show people we are more than capable of competing. I know all the players and I know the league inside out. We want to be challenging to get into the top six. That is achievable."